Samantha Cutaran – February 28; 2019

SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?

Samantha Cutaran: I’m a Filipino-American actress born and raised in California. I studied acting at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, graduating with a BFA in theatre before returning to Californina to pursue film and television.

SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actress?

Samantha Cutaran: My first introduction to the stage was actually through dance. My high school boyfriend was in a local production in the Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and they wanted a dancer for one of the roles. They offered me the role and from there, that theater began giving me speaking roles and I’ve been acting since.

Samantha Cutaran: A mutual friend of mine and the director’s, Tom McCafferty (who plays Rand in the film) emailed me the casting notice for Beachworld. I read the logline and was immediately interested. I put my audition on tape, sent it to Jackie and the rest is history.

SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?

Samantha Cutaran: I think many people fantasize about what the future will be like and this is one scenario that may resemble one of their hypothetical versions.

SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?

Samantha Cutaran: Jackie was fantastic to work with. She really had a vision and was constantly communicating with the DP, cast and crew. She created a wonderfully supportive and focused environment.

SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?

Samantha Cutaran: There was a point when they told me to just keep walking all by myself through the sand dunes for about 20-30 minutes and the drone would follow me. There was no around me and it was so peaceful.

SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?

Samantha Cutaran: I actually worked with the DP, Sarah Phillips again on another film a few months after wrapping Beachworld. Tom is good friends with my boyfriend, so I still stay in contact with him.

SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?

Samantha Cutaran:I just finished filming an episode of SEAL Team on CBS. I am also collaborating with some friends to create a short film.

SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?

Samantha Cutaran:Honestly, I’m a bit of a wimp when it comes to scary/horror films/books. I enjoy filming them but I definitely have nightmares when I read or watch them. Nonetheless, what I have read of his work, I’ve enjoyed becasue he’s a great storyteller.

SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

Samantha Cutaran: I was quite shy when I was younger and was terrified to be in front of large groups of people.

SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?

Samantha Cutaran:Thank you for reading and check out Beachworld when it comes out later this year.